…Govt deploys buses across 18 LGAs, boats in riverine areas — Transport PS

By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

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As schools across Ondo State resumed for the third term of the 2024/2025 academic session, the State Agency for Transport has assured residents that school shuttle buses will function optimally across all parts of the state, including riverine communities, to ensure a hitch-free resumption for students.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Agency for Transport, Mr Oluwafemi Ayodele, gave the assurance during a monitoring tour on the first day of resumption.

According to him, as the academic term kicks off, the Ondo State Government remains committed to sustaining and improving the school shuttle service to ensure that every child, regardless of location, has access to education without the barrier of transportation.

Ayodele and the agency’s team were on ground early in the morning to supervise and assess the efficiency of the shuttle bus operations across key locations.

Speaking to journalists during the inspection, Ayodele emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining the buses in good condition.

“During the holidays, we made sure all the buses were put into proper shape. They were fully serviced, and we have competent mechanical engineers who carry out daily maintenance,” he said.

He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of vehicle usage but maintained that the state is prepared to handle any mechanical issues promptly. “We understand that issues can arise, but our team is always on standby to fix them immediately,” Ayodele added.

Highlighting the extent of the school shuttle initiative, Ayodele stated that the service covers all 18 local government areas of the state. “The buses are operational across every LGA. No student will be left behind due to transportation issues,” he noted.

Ayodele also explained that the state government has made special provisions for students in riverine communities like Ilaje and Ese-Odo.

“In parts of Ilaje and Ese-Odo that are not accessible by road, we have deployed speedboats. Currently, there are four speedboats operating in Ilaje and two in Ese-Odo,” he revealed.

He further explained that in the upland portions of these areas, regular shuttle buses are also in operation to cater to students living there.

The PS reiterated that the school shuttle services remain completely free for all students across the state.

“The students are not paying any fare. The Ondo State Government is fully funding the initiative to ease the financial burden on parents, especially in this current economic climate,” he stated.

Many students who benefitted from the shuttle services expressed joy and gratitude to the government. They noted that the free transportation had significantly relieved their parents of the high cost of daily commuting to and from school.

One of the students said, “We thank Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Ministry of Transportation for making it easier for us to go to school. Our parents are really happy about it.”